A leading supermarket was caught selling alcohol to children twice within five minutes.

Two Tesco stores broke the law when police sent a girl, 15, to buy vodka in an undercover sting.

A Co-op store also sold alcohol to the youngster, despite two previous offences.

Sgt Frank Best, of North Shields police, said: "It is disappointing to see large chains like Tesco and the Co-op continuing to commit offences, despite rigorous training and checkout procedures.

"They need to address these failings as a matter of urgency to safeguard the community and the continued ability of these shops to sell alcohol

"Off-licences which sell to youths are contributing to alcohol related juvenile anti-social behaviour. They are also putting in danger the health of youngsters to which they sell.

"The vast majority of off- licences now adhere to licensing laws and ask for picture identification if they are in any doubt.

"However, there are still a few businesses which continue to sell to young people."

Test buy officers visited the Tesco store just off the Coast Road on Norham Road, North Shields and the girl was sold vodka. Five minutes later the same thing happened at the Tesco Express store in Beach Road, North Shields. Tesco today apologised and said they had stringent training measures in place.

A spokesman said: "We very much regret the incidents.

"We do have strict policies relating to the sale of alcohol to under-18s but ultimately they are vulnerable to human error.

"The store manager is reinforcing the rules and we will endeavour to make sure it will not be repeated."

The Co-op on Cleveland Road in North Shields town centre, also sold alcohol to a youngster. It is the third time in a row they have been caught and could now be hauled before licensing chiefs.

A Co-op spokesman said: "We take age-restricted sales extremely seriously. Our instructions to staff clearly state any potential purchaser who appears to be under age should be asked to provide proof that they are 18 or over. If none can be provided then the sale must be refused.

"We regret that on this occasion, it appears staff have not been as vigilant in implementing our procedures as we would wish. The employee in question will be disciplined and all staff will undergo additional training."

Checkout operators at all three stores were issued with #80 fixed penalty fines on the spot.